California’s New Proposition 65

The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 (Proposition 65) requires businesses to provide warnings to consumers in California of products that cause cancer, birth defects, or harm to health. These warnings have been visibly present in restaurants, for example, in CA but are so common they have become unnoticeable. Two years ago a task force got together to figure out a way to make consumers more aware of these warnings.

What is new to the law?

It’s simpler to understand: On each warning sign there will be a yellow triangle with an exclamation point. The wordage will change from “this products contains…” to “this product will expose you to…”, then, 1 or 2 chemicals will be listed.

Sellers will be required to put Prop 65 warnings with new language on products that are subject to this law. Manufacturers have the primary responsibility for placing these warnings. Manufacturers can either label the product or provide notice to the retailer that the product may provide exposure to a listed chemical. They should also provide the warning materials.

Many water treatment products will not be affected by the law and don’t require the warning.

Information above is from a Webinar provided to members by the Water Quality Association.